These hardships have without a doubt taught me and plays a part in the person I am today. I have learned to never think that something can’t happen to you. Anything is capable of happening to everyone. You can’t predict what happens and you can’t change what has happened. I have always been pretty independent on my own. I constantly remind myself from time to time that I can do anything if I put my mind and heart into it. Being this independent has really taught me to have faith in myself. I’m pretty content with myself but I would be lying if I said I didn’t want anyone else around me. I love my own company the same way I love other people’s company. Despite all that has happened, there was never a moment that I did not have faith that everything was going to be okay. This past year has also taught me to cherish every moment and day like it is my last. Something so little could change your life in an instant. Instead of fighting to bring moments back or trying to force things to happen the way you want them to, I’ve learned to just accept and live in the now. The past is nothing but photographs and memories. The future is not even here yet. In a way, the only thing that exists is now. You can only control your own perspective. I was once told, “Sometimes in life, temporary struggles are necessary in order to push yourself to continually strive.” In other words, nothing is permanent and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. A bad day is after all just a day.